Joan Benn: 1931-2019

Joan Darlene Benn was born in Los Angeles on February 7, 1931, to William Wallace Bruce and Eleanor Pittenger, the youngest of three daughters. Her childhood was spent in Southern California.

In 1948, Joan became a cosmetologist in Loveland, CO, where she met and married Bill Henry Sr. Over the next 29 years they raised their three children: Georgia, Cherri and Bill Jr. in Oregon.

Joan and her husband Bill were transferred with US National Bank from Hood River to North Bend, Brookings and Medford. Wherever Joan lived she was actively involved in her church, and volunteered in her community, Hospital Guild, PTA and Sorority.

In 1964 her dream to live by the ocean was realized in North Bend where she had her first car, an old Woody station wagon, and spent blissful summers with her family at the beach. A devoted mom, Joan shared her love of gardening and the outdoors, and many wonderful memories were made while camping and fishing.

In 1979, Joan went to work for Hong International and traveled to exciting countries in Asia. On one of these trips she met Donald M Benn, and they married on February 1, 1980. For the next 37 years they enjoyed visiting her parents in Santa Barbara, vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, their friends in Edmonds and home on Lake Chelan, where family and friends enjoyed swimming, boat rides and delicious meals fresh from her garden.

Joan and Don attended all their grandchildren’s games and events, and spent their holidays together. Joan loved with her whole heart and made sure each of her children and grandchildren knew they were loved and special to her. Grandma always kept their secrets!

Everyone who knew Joan loved her, and she will always be fondly remembered for her genuine, caring heart!

Joan is survived by her daughter Cherri (Henry) Hong; son Bill Henry Jr.; five grandchildren: Michelle Calvert, Me Ra (Hong) Tausend, Michael Knight, Shae Min Hong and Shaun Min Hong; and her great grandchildren, who call her Gigima. She was preceded in death by her husband Don Benn on 4.13.2018, Bill Henry Sr. on 11.28.2014, daughter Georgia Rei Henry on 11.14.2007 and sisters Patty (Bruce) Moody and Connie (Bruce) Moy.

The family invites you to attend Joan’s Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held at the Life Center Chapel in Tacoma, WA, at 2 p.m. on February 8, 2019. A Tea Luncheon reception (one of Joan’s cherished birthday traditions) follows the service.